For more than a generation, Hollywood has been a platform for more than just movies, but for grand cultural arguments—including religion, spirituality, and how to live without faith. Over the last few years, an increasing number of actors, writers, and performers have been candid about their atheism, making what was previously a forbidden topic front-page news. Some are direct, some are funny, and some use a deeply personal strategy—but all have brought nonbelief into the conversation. Here are 13 of the strongest voices of atheism who’ve had a presence in Hollywood and beyond.
13. Jack Black
Comedy icon Jack Black might be most famous for jamming out in School of Rock or voicing Po in Kung Fu Panda, but he’s also been open about being an atheist. Although raised as Jewish and celebrating a Bar Mitzvah, he went on to reject religious practice. Black has conceded that bringing up his children in Jewish customs is “a little hypocritical” because he doesn’t believe, yet his candor—blended with humor—has made him one of Hollywood’s most refreshingly candid voices on religion.
12. Julianne Moore
Since the death of her mother, Julianne Moore’s cynicism about religion only grew stronger. The Boogie Nights actress has stated that she thinks people, not supernatural forces, make life meaningful and establish order on the planet. Her sentiments are in line with the theme of many celebrity atheists: disbelieving that religion must provide morality or purpose.
11. Keira Knightley
In her signature sarcasm, Keira Knightley has mocked religious forgiveness. Joking that belief would allow her “to get away with anything” by merely seeking forgiveness, the Pirates of the Caribbean actress makes her atheism sound crisp and fun.
10. Ian McKellen
Sir Ian McKellen has never been coy when it comes to religion. The Lord of the Rings and X-Men superstar has spoken simply, “Heaven doesn’t exist.” Though he gets why people find solace in faith, he refers to it as unnecessary. His honesty stands out amidst an industry in which many prefer to remain ambiguous.
9. Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt’s spiritual perspective has evolved over the years. Raised in a conservative Christian home, the star of Fight Club today identifies as more agnostic, occasionally atheist. For Pitt, honesty is the policy: he doesn’t see proof of an afterlife, and he’s happy to admit he just doesn’t know.
8. Seth MacFarlane
Family Guy and The Orville creator Seth MacFarlane is one of pop culture’s most vocal atheist voices. His animated programs frequently satirize religion, and in interviews, he’s candidly spoken about his lack of faith. Satire for MacFarlane is how atheism enters the day-to-day cultural discourse.
7. Hugh Laurie
As the fantastic but pessimistic Dr. House, Hugh Laurie brought skepticism to life—offscreen, he’s just the same. An adamant atheist, Laurie has even emceed atheist conventions and employed humor to mock religious concepts. Dry wit makes him a natural skeptic of dogma.
6. Helen Mirren
Dame Helen Mirren has a subtle approach: she connects with Christian culture but does not think God exists. Morality and compassion for her come from mankind, not divine decrees. The Oscar-winning star’s attitude appeals to many who see ethical significance without religion.
5. Javier Bardem
Famous for his performances being so intense, Javier Bardem approaches atheism in a light-hearted manner. The star of No Country for Old Men previously joked, “I don’t believe in God, I believe in Al Pacino.” His sense of humor makes his attitude accessible instead of sermonic.
4. Emma Thompson
Emma Thompson ties atheism to her feminism, condemning organized religion as traditionally oppressive of women. Although she holds dear individual spirituality, she has no use for dogma, describing herself as a clear-eyed atheist. Her blend of empathy and criticism lends her voice gravitas above Hollywood.
3. Ricky Gervais
Few public figures thrust atheism into the limelight so aggressively as Ricky Gervais. The creator of The Office and a comedian has made much of his comedy about challenging religion. Whether trading opinions with late-night talk show hosts or sending pointed one-liners on Twitter, Gervais has made atheism humorous, palatable, and highly visible.
2. Daniel Radcliffe
Harry Potter himself came of age in the spotlight, and Daniel Radcliffe has not been afraid to refer to himself as an atheist. Occasionally, he puts it in terms of agnostic, occasionally “militant atheist”—particularly when religion intrudes on politics and law. His candor has made him a sympathetic figure for younger readers who grapple with doubt.
1. Changing the Conversation
Collectively, these celebrities demonstrate just how far the cultural dialogue has come. Talking about atheism was dangerous once; now, it can ignite genuine controversy—or even adoration. Whether it’s Radcliffe’s activism, Gervais’s humor, or Thompson’s feminism, their voices demonstrate that nonbelief is not a marginal viewpoint, but part of mainstream cultural existence.
In a world where religious storytelling still prevails, these vocal atheists are making room for doubt, for reason, and for laughter. Whether you find yourself in agreement or not, they’ve made one thing certain: atheism has a legitimate, undeniable niche in Hollywood and beyond.